UNICEF's corporate partnerships

Signature Partnerships: Change for Good®

© UNICEF 2009

Change for Good® envelope - UK

Change for Good® is an innovative partnership between UNICEF and the international airline industry.

Established in 1987, the programme is one of UNICEF's best-known and longest-running partnerships.  The alliance is designed to collect unused currency from passengers and convert their spare coins and notes into life-saving materials and services for vulnerable children around the world.

Currently, 10 major airline carriers run Change for Good® collections on their international and sometimes domestic flights. These are Aer Lingus, Alitalia, All Nippon Airways (ANA), American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, JAL and QANTAS.

In-flight videos on these carriers inform passengers of the programme, so that passengers can donate by leaving their spare currencies in envelopes provided. Airline personnel collect the envelopes, the funds are donated to the respective National Committee for UNICEF, which are then regularly transferred to UNICEF programmes helping children in over 150 countries around the world.

In December 1999, the oneworld Alliance and UNICEF announced a major fundraising initiative - The oneworld Alliance for UNICEF. The oneworld Alliance nominated UNICEF as its global charity and its members -- Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and Qantas -- have committed to support UNICEF through Change for Good ® and other fundraising efforts.

Since its launch in 1987, the Change for Good® programme has generated over US$70  million. Change for Good® provides UNICEF and the international airline industry with a unique partnership opportunity. It enables UNICEF to deliver its message to a captive global audience, and benefits the airlines by showcasing commitment to social responsibility and increasing customer loyalty. In addition, Change for Good® gives airline staff an opportunity to give back while travelling internationally.

© Warren Potter/Tanzania/2008

British Airways Cabin Crew meet a new born at the Round Table Maternity Home, funded by Change for Good® .

British Airways
British Airways has been raising money for Change for Good® since 1994.

With the support and dedication of British Airways staff and customers, the partnership has gone from strength to strength to raise over £26 million to date. The programme has supported over 55 countries around the world, helping to transform the lives of millions of children worldwide.

Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of BA says, “The lives of thousands of the most vulnerable children around the world have been changed for good, thanks to the unwavering generosity of British Airways customers and incredible support from our cabin crew over the last 15 years.  I’ve seen for myself the hope that we can bring to so many young lives and want to thank all those who have made our partnership with UNICEF such a life-changing success.”